Participating in the “shop the ‘hood campaign”: Promoting the downtown and waterfront is a key part of my campaign.

I’ve registered to run for reelection as your councillor for Ward 2 in the Oct. 27 municipal election.

It’s been an honour to serve and work with you over the last four years to make our city better. I appreciate the time and expertise you’ve volunteered, and the input you’ve provided to me on the decisions council has made on your behalf. It’s made a difference.

Thanks also for the feedback you’ve given me about my service to you, for letting me know you value my commitment to representing the views of residents, giving you My Take on the issues, and letting you know what’s happening through my newsletter and social media so you can get involved.

You can read more about these issues, and my commitments, at votemarianne.ca

You get to select four representatives in October:

mayor

ward councillor

regional chair

school trustee

I encourage you to read about all the candidates for each of these positions and let them know what you expect from an elected representative, what issues are important to you, and where you stand. The city publishes a list of all registered candidates for each of the positions, with contact information and website links here Check back frequently, as names can be added (or removed) up until the time nominations close, Sept. 12. Nominations opened Jan. 2.

Your Take: What are the most important issues to you for council to address in the next term? How can I serve you better as your councillor? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Related

What inspired me to seek public office in the first place – "I can do something about that!" – continues to propel me forward as the City and Regional Councillor for Ward 2 since 2010. This isn’t a job; it’s a privilege to represent and serve the residents of Burlington. In my time on council, I’ve had the honour to meet and serve with many residents who also believe you “can do something about that” and volunteer your time to make Burlington better.

2 Comments

M DiCesareApril 28, 2014 @
9:46 am

I continue to be concerned about infill in our downtown neighbourhood, in particular the demolition of existing homes to build “monster” homes that dwarf surrounding homes and do not complement the character of the neighbourhood. I have previously written you about this and your reply basically said there was nothing that you could do. Also concerned about preservation of trees, ie 2267 Lakeshore Rd, and high rise development downtown which is changing the pleasant character of downtown, eg “wind tunnel” like being downtown Toronto in winter, increased litter, including dog “poop”, traffic congestion on streets like Pearl and Eliazabeth. Why doesn’t Burlington look to some European cities that have decided against highrise development in their downtown cores and opted for more open, welcoming streets? Many of our previously pleasant open streets are now narrow and dark, ie Pine between Elizabeth and Pearl.

The issue of residential development will have a significant impact on future growth within Burlington. Faced with the provincial directive to infill all available lands before considering expanding its boarders, the city has no choice but to look at intensification. There are of course unintended consequences to this policy: sky high housing prices that shut out the first time home buyer, compromised zoning plans to accommodate infill, conversion of commercial lands to residential and loss of neighborhood character. In a bid to forestall the outward growth of our city the province forces us to create cities that become a hodge-podge of developments that don’t make any sense. This needs to change.

Jobs, jobs, jobs. How much more clearer can I make it. Without employment growth, the city dies. I am aware that there are those who believe that growth is evil and the root of all our problems. Perhaps they are right but can they explain who will pay for all the increasing services and escalating costs the city faces every year if there is no growth. Tax everyone more? Well perhaps, until you reach the point of diminishing returns, then what do you do? The city needs to create a business friendly environment so that young people will locate (or stay) here to provide the future its citizens expect.